For generations, the Easter lily has been the time-honored traditional flower of Easter since it encompasses the virtues of Easter, such as purity, hope and innocence. Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum) grow to approximately 2 to 3 feet tall and produce white, trumpet-shaped, fragrant flowers, sometimes as many as six flowers on a single stem.
Turn over the soil in the planting site to a depth of approximately 10 to 12 inches. As you turn over the soil, eliminate any rocks, large clods of dirt, or sticks from the planting site. Easter flowers need full sun for best growth, so make sure the planting site provides plenty of sunlight.
Scoop out over the planting site approximately 2 to 3 inches of a good quality potting mix or equal portions of peat moss and perlite. This will help improve drainage in the planting site and ensure success growing Easter flower.
Create a raised planting bed if the soil in the planting site is clay-like, heavy and does not drain well. To do this, scoop shove fulls of potting mix over the planting area to raise the area up to approximately 3 to 4 inches.
Dig planting holes for the Easter flower bulbs that are approximately 6 inches below ground level. Space each hole between 12 and 18 inches apart.
Spread out any roots of the Easter flower bulb in the bottom of a planting hole. Make sure the Easter flower bulb is sitting vertical in the planting hole.
Scoop approximately 5 to 6 inches of soil over each of the Easter flower bulbs, working it in and around the Easter flower bulbs as you proceed. Then, pack the soil down firmly over each of the Easter flower bulbs.
Water the Easter flower bulbs thoroughly using a steady mist of water, so it can soak down to reach the bulbs. Generally, Easter flower bulbs will sprout between 10 and 14 days.
Caring for Easter Flowers
Water the Easter flowers when the soil feels dry to the touch. But do not let the soil become sodden wet.
Fertilize the Easter flowers once they are 3 to 4 inches tall. Use a 20-10-20 granular or liquid fertilizer. Read the directions the manufacturer provides for how much fertilizer should be distributed for each Easter flower.
Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of straw, pine needles, pine bark or leaves for mulch around each of the Easter flowers. This not only conserves precious moisture, but will also offer the Easter flowers protection over winter
Cut back each of the Easter flowers to the soil surface once they have finished blossoming and are starting to die back.
Remove the mulch the following spring, after there is no more frost anticipated in your growing region.